Blue-footed booby

Sula nebouxii

The blue-footed booby is a seabird of eastern Pacific coasts and ocean waters. Diurnal colonies breed on islands while adults hunt fish offshore.

Key facts

Blue-footed booby (Sula nebouxii) is a carnivore animal classified as Bird · Suliformes · Sulidae.
Primary habitats are coast · open ocean, with a range across Neotropical · Pacific Ocean.
Activity is diurnal, sociality is colony, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
The blue-footed booby is a seabird of eastern Pacific coasts and ocean waters.
It uses island coasts, rocky ground, and surrounding open ocean.
Typical lifespan: 8-25 years

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

It uses island coasts, rocky ground, and surrounding open ocean. Breeding requires open predator-light sites near productive feeding waters.

Wingspan is about 140-155 cm and weight about 1-1.8 kg. Bright blue feet, long wings, a pointed bill, and a streamlined body are distinctive.

Diurnal birds form breeding colonies. Courtship includes conspicuous foot-lifting displays, while foraging birds plunge-dive into the sea.

It is carnivorous, eating small fish and squid. From the air it spots prey, folds the wings, and dives into the water.

A simple ground nest site is guarded by both parents. Chicks receive regurgitated fish from adults.

Its status is listed as Least Concern. Food availability at sea and disturbance on breeding islands can influence local success.